From: "Brent Brown" <brent.brown@clear.net.nz>

> Roger Weichert wrote:
>> I suspect the best way would be to 'crack' the communications feeding 
>> from
>> the reader to the display, though exactly how to do that is my dilemma.
>
> Yes, this should be possible. You will have to "break in" to the cables 
> somehow like
> make special connector widgets (for each type of reader system) to tap 
> into the
> data stream. I have a limited experience with RFID readers, but the ones 
> I've looked
> at have been relatively simple ASCII data over RS232. Very easy to 
> understand
> when you you view the data with a terminal program.


Thanks Brent,

Yeah, I have read up on RFID a fair bit and feel like I understand it 
reasonably well  ...  it's just my lack of experience with playing with 
serial communications that holds me back. Usually fixing stuff  ..  not 
designing it.

I'm sure you're right about the comms being simple ASCII over RS232 because 
I've got data on the protocol for the communications between one brand of 
panel reader (RFID antenna) and the receiver / decoder and that is very 
simple ASCII. And I have found the descriptions of similar equipment (dairy 
electronics) that says they are using RS232 and ASCII.

So I probably need to get one of these devices in the w/shop and start 
experimenting.

> Five years is a long time to not
> get any help, I understand the frustration and obstacles when asking for 
> technical
> details, it usually boils down to finding the right person to ask.
>
> Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions

Yes, you are right again. I have a short list of people I contact at various 
business's that are worth their weight in gold, but I'm always looking for 
contacts at new places as I get other brands of gear to sort out.

Thanks for your input as well.

Regards,  Roger


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